Burkina Faso’s military junta announced Saturday the suspension of Radio France Internationale (RFI) radio station’s operations «until further notice» for giving voice to «a message of intimidation to the population attributed to a terrorist leader.»
The government does not give details but this suspension order coincides after RFI reported this Saturday a video of threats from the jihadist organization of the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (JNIM).
The announcement of the suspension was made by Burkina Faso’s government spokesman, Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, who confirmed that the decision is indefinite and covers RFI’s broadcasts «throughout the national territory».
In its information, published this Saturday on its web site, RFI conveyed the JNIM’s threat against civilians who help the authorities in their fight against the terrorist group.
«This means (RFI) thus contributes to a desperate maneuver of the terrorist groups to dissuade thousands of Burkinabe mobilized for the defense of the Homeland, rowing against the current of the actions underway for the restoration of the integrity of our territory,» according to the statement, picked up by ‘Le Faso’.
Likewise, the Burkinabe government also denounces a report by RFI which pointed to an alleged coup d’état against the military leader of the country, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, which the military officer later denied.
RFI has responded by «strongly condemning» the measure for «totally unfounded accusations that question the professionalism» of its managers. It also recalled that the cut was carried out «without prior notice and without the application of the procedures provided for in the broadcasting agreement drawn up by Burkina Faso’s Higher Council for Communication.
«The France Médias Monde group will explore all avenues to restore RFI’s broadcasting and recalls its unwavering commitment to freedom of information and the professional work of its journalists,» the Cadema stressed.
RFI explained that it broadcasts on five FM spots, as well as on shortwave, several satellites and through fifty or so partner radio stations. Every week it is followed by more than 40 percent of the population and more than 70 percent of opinion leaders, according to the channel itself.
September’s uprising, considered a ‘palace coup’ by a sector of the army opposed to the then leader of the junta installed after the January coup, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, took place in the face of the continuing deterioration of the security situation and attacks by jihadist groups.
Burkina Faso has generally experienced a significant increase in insecurity since 2015, with attacks by both Al Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates, leading to a wave of internally displaced persons and refugees to other countries in the region.
